STANFORD, Calif. – Host Stanford continued its strong spring by a combining for a 1-under-par 279 in challenging conditions Thursday in the opening round of the 50th Goodwin at cool and partly cloudy Stanford Golf Course.
Morning rain softened the already wet and newly renovated course, making it play longer than its listed 6,758 yards. Thick rough, afternoon breezes and light sprinkles added to the difficulty.
Early starter Washington posted the best round of the day with a 2-under total 278, while the Cardinal led the afternoon wave.
The 27-team field includes two contingents from Stanford – the Cardinal and White teams. The latter is 21st at 17-over 297.
Junior David Snyder sparked the Cardinal by matching his career-best score in relation to par with a 3-under 67, forging four birdies and only one bogey. He finished strong, securing birdies at the par-4 15th and par-3 17th holes and shot a 2-under 33 on the back side.
Snyder shared the first-round lead with Derek Ackerman of Santa Clara and Daniel O'Loughlin of Colorado.
Stanford senior Brandon Wu continued his good play with a 70, tallying two birdies and two bogeys to earn a share of 11th with senior Isaiah Salinda. The latter also carded four birdies and saved his best for last, holing a lengthy putt from off the green at the par-4 18th.
Junior Henry Shimp rebounded from two early double-bogeys with four birdies to post 72 and is tied for 37th, while freshman Daulet Tuleubayev added a 74 is tied for 52nd.
The White team was led by junior Nate Menon with a 70 (t-11), thanks to an eagle at the par-5 16th hole. Freshman Freddie Lee shot 74, junior Dakota McNealy 76, senior Chris Meyers 77 and freshman Ethan Ng 78.
No. 4 and defending team champion Oklahoma is tied for eighth.
Second round play begins Friday at 7:30 a.m. PT on the first and 10th tees. The afternoon wave starts at noon. The tournament is open to the public and admission is free.
The Cardinal squad tees off No. 10 from 8:25 a.m. through 9:09 a.m., while the White group goes off No. 1 from 1:50 p.m. to 2:34 p.m.
Live scoring is available at GoStanford.com.